What's a good birthday gift for a platonic female friend?

Question

She'll be going to Germany next week- so I though guide books, but I found out she's already bought a ton.
what's a gift that most women like- my budget is $30.00

Answer 1

If she's going to be traveling, a gift card she can use (like an American Express one), or a book to read on the plane, a phone card so she can call home on her trip would all make thoughtful gifts that don't carry any overtly romantic connotations.

Answer 2

I went to Germany for a summer and I think the best thing you can get her is a care package. If she's going for more than a week- then get her a terrific Bath and Body Works (or whichever she likes) pack. The hygiene is different over there & we Americans love to smell good so lotion, body wash, body spray. And I really missed Dr Pepper!
If she's only going on vacation- then a birthday present should be more personal to your friendship. Like music she likes is always an easy gift. and it's a long plane trip so lots of music will help her pass the time.

Answer 3

I think making an effort to spend time with her, take her to dinner, as a birthday and going away type gift would be nice.

If you know what kind of music she likes, finding a CD that she doesn't have, would be thoughtful.

Many people forget to purchase things for trips, such as: camera, film, batteries, sunscreen lotion, journal, pen, snacks (for the flight); making a basket filled with items will have her thinking of how great of a friend you are whenever she uses them.

Also, maybe getting a nice photo album for her, so that she can put her trip pictures in something better than a shoebox.

Hope that helps,
Stefanie

Answer 4

Get her something that will be useful on a trip or that somehow relates to her journey.

Ideas:
Make up carrying case (with a design that resembles her tastes)
A journal with a very nice pen (so she can document her trip)
A photo album with a travel theme (for the pics from her travels)
Make her a german chocolate birthday cake
A box of german chocolates or german related food
If she's a reader, get her a few books or barnes & nobles giftcard
If she doesn't know the language, then a language help book or even a cheap cassette player (approx $5) with a learning german book on tape (approx 15-20)

Answer 5

Do you understand that platonic relationships are relationships **without** emotional attachment. That doesn't sound the case with you. She sounds exactly like what you really meant to say (I think), **a friend**. A gift? Long distance calls from hotels throughout europe are a major pain ita. maybe an international phone card would be a good gift. u can get them for 10USD upwards. best wishes! pc

Answer 6

Women, even the practical-seeming ones who never wear jewelery, like really cute useless objects. I adore the really cute turquoise barbecues at a certain store here--do I barbecue? Is there any reason for it to be turquoise? And don't we already have a barbecue? But the point is, it's cute.

You can get her super cute mix and match stationery, or a really pretty teacup or coffee mug--no, it doesn't have to be a whole set, she can use it only for herself after a hard day. Maybe a fancy picture album to hold all her snapshots from Germany?

Answer 7

Pay attention to when she's talking maybe there is something she hasn't gotten for her trip that she needs. There is no universal gift that all women like, everybody is different. If you know what she likes then you'll be able to get her a great gift.

Answer 8

My friend was going travelling so I bought her a few gadgets that are compact and can be taken travelling, like a nice travel alarm clock or a fancy pen knife. It might not seem very girly, but you can get pink pen knifes now and from experience they are VERY handy for opening the impromptu bottle of wine :-D

Answer 9

I've been to Europe and one never has enough money.
But your not giving her a going away gift...it's a birthday gift.
A nice framed print of something that reminds you of her to hang on her wall so she can remember your friendship every time she looks at it-she'll smile...and think of you fondly.
Lil

Answer 10

The $30 so she will have some extra spending cash in Germany.